Technology 101
Introduction:
In this course students will be interacting with various aspects of technology through a combination of projects and assignments. Students will be reading, researching, writing, discussing, adopting, implementing, and creating using technology. The instruction will incorporate units on Google products such as Blogger, Sites, YouTube, Google+, Gmail, and Drive.
The ultimate goal of all instruction in this course is not just proficiency at using these tools and resources, but developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the role technology plays in our lives, how it is transforming our society and culture, as well as how it is changing the future in terms of how we learn, work, play, and interact with each other. Ultimately students should gain competence in using a variety of digital tools in different contexts, grasp the bigger picture/historical significance of current technological advancements, and be able to adapt this knowledge in the future, in order to be better prepared for college and career.
All instruction in this course is guided by the objectives laid out according to the Alabama State Department of Education's Course of Study for Technology Education:
"The Computer Applications course is designed to provide students with technology fluency appropriate for the twenty-first century. Fluency includes the knowledge of current technology systems as well as skills and attitudes necessary to adopt new technologies and systems as they emerge. Additional components of the course equip students with the ability to conduct research and solve problems; demonstrate creative thinking; develop innovative products; practice safe, ethical, and legal use of technology systems; and use technology and information to communicate and collaborate at all levels from interpersonal to global.
Content standards in this course include hands-on, practical pursuits that extend beyond the computer classroom or laboratory. Course content is integrated into other curricular areas to allow students to reinforce and expand technology competencies. As students become proficient users of computers and other technologies in the classroom, benefits of using these tools for researching, analyzing, and synthesizing information beyond the classroom become evident. Technology-fluent students realize technology tools and resources enhance not only educational endeavors, but also personal and professional success as well."
A full description of the Technology COS is available here.
Instructional Overview:
During the first semester of this course our main projects will be to create a website using Google Sites. Students will be instructed on how to embed videos, documents, calendars, and images onto pages of their site, as well as add text and other graphic elements. Students will share their websites publicly and with the other students in the class, as well as the instructor.
Additional graded assignments will include daily work and quizzes in a combination of research, writing, and discussion activities. These will incorporate commenting on blog posts located on the Instructional and Emerging Technology blog, as well as writing responses to select videos from the following YouTube playlists: Technology 101, Technology 102, and TEDEducation.
Instructional Objectives:
Identify uses of technology systems in daily living.
Use digital tools to access and retrieve information.
Use digital environments to exchange ideas with individuals or groups.
Producing digital works collaboratively
Alignment with the Alabama Technology COS:
2.) Diagnose hardware and software problems.
Examples: viruses, error messages
• Applying strategies to correct malfunctioning hardware and software
• Performing routine hardware maintenance
• Describing the importance of antivirus and security software
3.) Demonstrate advanced technology skills, including compressing, converting, importing, exporting, and backing up files.
• Transferring data among applications
• Demonstrating digital file transfer
Examples: attaching, uploading, downloading
5.) Utilize advanced features of spreadsheet software, including creating charts and graphs, sorting and filtering data, creating formulas, and applying functions.
6.) Utilize advanced features of multimedia software, including image, video, and audio editing.
8.) Practice safe uses of social networking and electronic communication.
• Recognizing dangers of online predators
• Protecting personal information online
Example: recognizing risk of identity theft
9.) Practice ethical and legal use of technology systems and digital content.
• Explaining consequences of illegal and unethical use of technology systems and digital content
Examples: cyber-bullying, plagiarism
• Interpreting copyright laws and policies with regard to ownership and use of digital content
• Citing sources of digital content using a style manual
Examples: Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA)
10.) Analyze capabilities and limitations of current and emerging technologies.
• Assessing effects of technology on culture, economics, politics, and the environment
• Comparing capabilities of various technologies to address personal, social, lifelong learning, and career needs
12.) Use digital tools to publish curriculum-related content.
Examples: Web page authoring software, coding software, wikis, blogs, podcasts
13.) Demonstrate collaborative skills using curriculum-related content in digital environments.
Examples: completing assignments online; interacting with experts and peers in a structured, online learning environment
15.) Forecast technology innovations based on trends.
16.) Create a product that integrates information from multiple software applications.
Example: pasting spreadsheet-generated charts into a presentation